Missouri State footballer Todric McGree died on Saturday of what police said may have been an unintended self -inflicted shot.
The incident took place on Friday in his home and his body was found after Springfield, Missouri, police responded to the home of a wellness control.
He died the next morning at the age of 21.
“When I lean back and reflect on the last 24 hours, the thoughts of Todric’s contagious smile and competition spirit are the things I see most,” wrote head coach Ryan Beard in an X -post.
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Missouri State carries security todric McGee during Media Day August 3, 2024. (Nathan Papes/Springfield News-Leader/USA Today Network)
“There is no greater honor than being called a coach and it is something we do not take easy. You see that young people become men right in front of your eyes and they become part of who you are. You love these guys like your own sons. On behalf of the most football family, we send our deepest condolance to Todic’s family. We pray, they find peace and know that two willingly will be in our hearts.”
The NCAA logo at Toyota Stadium January 8, 2023 in Frisco, Texas, before a game between South Dakota State Jackrabbits and North Dakota State Bison in Division in FC’s football championship. (C. Morgan Engel/NCAA -Photos via Getty Images)
“Our football family is in shock and grief over the loss of todric,” Beard said in another statement via ESPN. “We are all asking to respect privacy in his family and our most football team at this time when we begin the healing process. Join in praying for Todric and the people who loved him.”
Added athletic director Patrick Ransdell, “This tragedy has shaken our football program to the core and we want them to know that we are here to support them in every way possible at this extremely difficult time.”
Missouri State’s Todric McGee (4) trying to break a tackle against the University of Northern Iowa Panthers at Gypsum Stadium 11 November 2023. (Nathan Papes/Springfield News-Leader/USA Today Network)
McGee was a starting security for the program each of the last two seasons and was about to enter his fifth year with the program.
